Munak (Sangrur), May 22
Every year with the monsoon approaching, Chaman Singh of Kadial village here fears that the Ghaggar river may destroy his crop, depriving him from earning a livelihood. The Ghaggar, a polluted river carrying industrial pollutants from Mohali, Chandigarh, Patiala and Ambala, wreaks havoc during monsoons with the paddy crop of thousands of farmers, living in and around the Munak area almost every year.

Chaman Singh says he sows with great difficulty, manages fertilisers and other inputs in four acres of his land in Kadial village with the hope that this year the unruly Ghaggar will not wash away his crop. He says when the monsoon approaches, his whole family prays to God not to bring floods in the Ghaggar.

“I invest thousands of rupees on my land so that I can harvest a good crop. I arrange this money by taking advance from commission agents who procure our crop. But since there is no dam to stop the Ghaggar during the monsoon season, it destroys our standing paddy crop which we would have reaped in October. With our crop destroyed, we suffer huge losses and fall in a debt trap,” says Chaman Singh. “I owe more than Rs 1.5 lakh to the commission agent and also have to repay the loan to the bank,” he adds.

He further says, “Had the government constructed a dam, we would have earned at least Rs 27,000 from an acre of land. Now, we only get compensation from the department concerned at the rate of Rs 1,000 to 1,200 per acre. Even patwaris and other revenue officers claim their ‘share’ and we only get peanuts as compensation for our damaged crop.

“Since farmers suffer heavy losses, they are left with no other option but to commit suicide. Only God can save us now as the government doesn’t care much about our fate,” says Chaman Singh, adding, “We are surviving just because we successfully reap the wheat crop during winters.”

A majority of farmers TNS talked to said that though the Central Government had managed to construct a dam from Khanuari to Makaur Sahab, it failed to get it extended up to Kadial. As a result, the Ghaggar damages the standing paddy crops during the monsoon almost every year.

Deputy Commissioner, Sangrur, Harkesh Singh Sidhu told TNS that the Punjab government was awaiting funds from the Central Water Commission for completing the construction of bandhs on the remaining 17 km of the total 39 km area. He added that they couldn’t get the funds since the Haryana government didn’t produce the NOC before the Central Water Commission for the construction work on the pretext that it would damage the crops of its farmers.

Ferozepur, May 22
Rise in temperatures has begun to take its toll on the cotton crop in the region. First, the absence of canal water and “artificial scarcity” of certified BT seeds forced the growers to delay sowing and now, the unprecedented rise in mercury has added to their woes.

Due to rise in temperature, cotton plants have started wilting in the cotton belt comprising Bathinda, Mansa, Muktsar, Moga, Sangrur, Faridkot, and Ferozepur districts. Though the problem is not so severe at the moment, it could become pinching for the growers if temperatures do not relent within a day or so.

“About 85 per cent of the targeted area of 5.5 lakh hectares has been brought under the cotton crop. The farmers are trying their best to finish sowing by the end of May. Initially, they faced problem on account of less availability of canal water and now high temperatures are playing havoc,” said deputy director (cotton) Jasvir Singh Bains.

Almost all chief agriculture officers of the cotton producing districts have reported that the plants were wilting due to high temperature and as a result their (plants) concentration was thinning, he said, adding that it was for the first time that temperatures had gone so high at the time of sowing.

A section of agriculture development officers said cotton plants in those pockets had been affected where the farmers irrigated with underground water that had high concentration of salts.

Hot winds, which had been sweeping the region for the past few days, had also been adversely affecting the crop.

The plants had also wilted away in large number where the soil structure was not suitable for cotton cultivation, they added.

In some pockets, the growers had to resow as seeds sown earlier did not germinate properly as a hard layer of soil covered them after brief rains hit the region a few days ago. The farmers had to spend extra money for arranging BT cotton seeds for resowing.

Chandigarh, May 22
Strange are the ways of the Punjab government. Families of Army martyrs are fighting for three years to get the benefit of the Honour and Gratitude Policy of Punjab. Now, the government has transferred the benefits of this policy to martyrs nationwide. However, a number of martyrs’ kin from the state are still being denied these benefits due to lacunae in the policy that makes it applicable only to those who died in action after January 1999.

The state Cabinet had a few days back approved the inclusion of martyrs from states other than Punjab for provision of benefits on a par with martyrs from Punjab. Martyrs from Punjab get benefits, including Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia amount, Rs 5 lakh in lieu of plot and government job, according to qualification, something that no other state is offering.

According to sources, the benefit has been extended to soldiers nationwide following a recommendation made by Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal. The Finance Minister, who is a Lt Colonel in the Territorial Army, had given an assurance in this regard at a meeting of War Decorated soldiers earlier this year.

Martyr families, who are unable to take advantage of the state government policy, claim they have been taking up the issue of including martyrs who had died or become disabled in action prior to January 1999 in the Honour and Gratitude Policy. They claim that a former Defence Services Minister, Capt Kanwaljit Singh, had promised to do away with the this but after his demise the case had still not reached a logical conclusion. The families maintain that while the state was within its right to extend the policy to such families nationwide, it should also take care of its own people also.

At present, January 1, 1999, is the cut-off date for declaration of war heroes in Punjab but martyr families say insurgency operations like Operation Rakshak in Jammu and Kashmir and Operation Rhino in Assam, which took place before this date, should also be included in the policy.

According to official sources, the policy was made post-Kargil when it was felt that families of martyrs from the state needed to be taken care of appropriately. The policy is now open to all battle casualties as well as for those who are disabled in action.

Moga, May 22
Perturbed over the “insensitive” attitude of the Punjab police for changing the facts and circumstances of the alleged murder of farmers’ leader, Sadhu Singh Takhtupura, into “unintentional death” in the challan submitted before a court, the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta) has planned to stage a protest against the SAD-BJP government on Monday (May 24) at block headquarters across the state.

Talking to The Tribune Sukhdev Singh Kokri, General Secretary of the BKU, said it was unfortunate on part of the state government and the Police Department to “neutralise” the murder of their activist at the hands of a sitting Akali MLA and his supporters.

Kokri further said that on May 25 supporters and activists of 17 farmers’ organisations and trade unions would assemble outside the office of the District Magistrate, Amritsar, demanding justice and arrest of the real culprits involved in this case.

If the state government fails to deliver justice, a special meeting of all organisations would be held at Ludhiana to chalk out the further course of action and plan the state-level rally being organised on June 7 at Moga.

Meanwhile, Sulakhan Singh Sandhu, counsel of the BKU, fighting the case of Takhtupura’s murder told The Tribune that the police had filed a challan in which Section 302 of the IPC had been removed, replacing it with Section 304 of the IPC that means “unintentional murder”. The copies of this challan had been handed over to all accused persons in the court on Saturday.

In reply to a question, Sandhu said he could not comment in detail on the challan as he had so far not been supplied with a copy of it. However, unofficially, the police had attached a copy of the medical report in which it has been mentioned that Takhtupura died of a heart attack.

Jhanda Singh, Senior Vice-President of the BKU, alleged that their union was struggling for farmers’ rights in the Majha region for a long time and these people had clashed with them many a time in the past few years. 

Amritsar, May 22
These tipsy elements — apparently petty businessmen with loads of goods like electronic items purchased from New Delhi, to be sold in cities like Ludhiana, Jalandhar, and Amritsar — manage to get seats even in the Executive Class despite their being “ticketless” or passengers without any reservation of seats.

They enjoy such clout among the Shatabdi staff that they are ensured a regular supply of chicken by the waiters, most of whom act allegedly as middlemen, instrumental in getting seats for such “valuable clients”.

“Don’t worry. We’ll manage to get seats,” quipped one of the three youngsters who, barged into the coach E-1 (Executive Class) of the Shatabdi Express on Wednesday just seconds before its departure from the New Delhi railway station at 4.30 pm. They occupied seats no. 13 and 14. As the passengers insisted on occupying their seats, all three quickly turned to other seats, 17 and 18.

Soon the ticket checker (Surinder Singh as per his nameplate) came and asked them for tickets. They murmured something in his ear. In return, he signalled them to follow him. Moments later, the trio emerged with renewed confidence and one of them asked his companion to open the bottle. “But where are the snacks?” questioned the other one. He got a quick answer, “We are going to get chicken. Don’t worry. Where is the bottle of RC?”

Within a few moments, a waiter (with his nameplate bearing the name Varinder Chauhan) appeared with a tray of steaming dishes even as he had just served soup to others at the same time. Asked by this reporter about the special treatment being extended to some “special guests”, the waiter retorted, “We give special service to everyone.”

Amid cheers, a bottle and glasses tumbled out and loud songs on mobiles of one of the three men started disturbing one and all. The boys also hurled lewd comments on the hapless women passengers in the compartment. Ironically, beyond protests in hush-hush tones, none of the passengers deemed it fit to complain about the rowdyism in the train.

Meanwhile, an RPF ASI conducted checking walking past the aisles but everyone passed the test.

When informed and asked about the open drinking practice in a train like the Shatabdi, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Ferozepur, Vishweshwar Dubey, said such incidents should be brought to the notice of railway authorities through an SMS on cellphone number 09717630982 or by dialling a toll free no. 1800111139. 

Sangrur, May 22
Even as the state government spends crores of rupees on vigilance officials of various departments, they seem to lack commitment to check corruption.

As per the information gathered under the Right to Information (RTI) Act by Kamal Anand, a Sangrur-based social activist, chief vigilance officials of various departments have failed to submit monthly reports of their activities to check corruption to the vigilance secretary.

The state Vigilance Department vide instructions dated March 6, 2000, had directed the chief vigilance official in each department to submit a monthly report to the vigilance secretary regarding the work done by them. The information further suggests that despite the directions, the officials failed to submit the reports for the period from April 1, 2008, to March 31 (for which information was sought by the activist).

“The state government had appointed 87 chief vigilance officials in different department and agencies, who are supposed to detect corruption and prepare lists of corrupt officials. In response to an application filed by me regarding monthly reports by the officials, the Department of Vigilance Bureau replied that no official has submitted a monthly report from April 1, 2008, to March 31”, said Kamal Anand.

“In response to another application, the department provided name, address and mobile numbers of the 87 officials. But it is shocking to know that there is no reporting by these officials to the department,” he added.

He said it had also come to light that the CVO cell of the departments try to protect the culprit officials of their department due to various reasons.

Jalandhar, May 22
The first-ever census of birds conducted by the Punjab Forest and Wildlife Department at the Harike Wetland over four months ago has come under the scanner, as the department is yet to submit its report.

Sources said wildlife officials had roped in a Chandigarh-based NGO- Avian Habitat and Wetland Society (AHWS)- and members of Chandigarh Birds for the census from January 30 to February 1. To mark the World Wetland Day, a function was also organised by the department at Harike on the last day of the census. However, the tall claims of former chief wildlife warden RK Luna that ornithologists from the Wildlife Institute of India, Bombay Natural History Society, World Wildlife Fund and birdwatchers would also participate fell flat when certain birdwatchers of “no standing” turned up at the venue. The census had also landed in a controversy with reports that it was done unscientifically.

Former honorary wildlife warden, Hoshiarpur and Gurdaspur, Sukhdeep Singh Bajwa said that the department even did not supply him information regarding the census, which he had sought under the RTI Act.

He said the census was just a sheer wastage of government money, as no concrete results had come out as yet. On the other hand, state chief wildlife warden Jatinder Kumar Sharma said a reminder had been given to Narbir Singh of the AHWS, who had conducted the census. He claimed that the report was expected soon.

Chhat (Banur), May 22
Change in diet of birds has led to the first batch of eggs laid by five species of birds at Mahendra Choudhary Zoological Park. Field director of the zoo Tushar Kanti Bahera said last year, a couple of species of birds did not lay eggs.

“We identified that the birds lacked something in diet that did not enable them to lay eggs. We discussed the matter and decided to give sprouts, grains and calcium supplement to them,” he said.

While the sprouts and earthworms were prepared in the zoo itself, the chemical supplement was purchased from the market.

Consequently, the aviary cages are now chirping with new entrants that have hatched just a couple of days ago. Golden pheasant laid nine eggs and has hatched one chick.

Similarly, lady emerald pheasant laid 7 eggs at different places. The red jungle fowl laid about 10 eggs and is now a mother of two chicks.“The ring necked pheasant, too, seems to have laid eggs and is incubating them,” Bahera said. Similarly, grey pheasant laid three eggs, while painted storks have nearly 12 babies.

The Saras has laid more eggs this time as compared to the last year. Bajrigar has increased the number of eggs by almost a dozen. “Even the crocodile seems to be incubating eggs as it has not moved from its position for last few days,” he added.

When asked about why no eggs were laid last year, Bahera said it depended on various factors, including climactic changes, age factor and proper care of birds. 

Ludhiana, May 22
Deadline for the formulation of the cultural policy of the state has been set for July 31. This was stated by state Cultural Affairs Minister Hira Singh Gabria at a meeting of the new executive body of the Punjabi Sahit Akademi (PSA) here today.

Gabria also announced a grant of Rs 2 lakh to the PSA and called upon the akademi president Gurbhajan Singh Gill to give a list of five Punjabi writers who would be granted a cash amount of Rs 25,000 each.

“It is rather unfortunate that Punjabis, despite having prospered in terms of material gains, have treated their mother tongue like paupers. Learning English is good provided we give due respect to our mother tongue,” Gabria said.

Punjabi legislatures throughout the world are gathering at a common platform to form a Punjabi forum for the promotion of the language and first meeting of the forum will be convened in Pakistan, Rajya Sabha MP Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa said. he also announced a grant of Rs 5 lakh for the PSA.

He further stated that Punjabi had already acquired the status of second language in Delhi, Haryana and Chandigarh and efforts were on get the same for the language in Himachal Pradesh also. Dhindsa also promised to moot the proposal for allocation of special funds in the next Budget for those Punjabi writers who were unable to support themselves.

Meanwhile, the PSA president has called upon the state government to give funds for the publication of books. “As many as 70 books of eminent Punjabi writers, including adaptation of Rabindernath Tagore's works, are awaiting to be published. But paucity of funds is depriving the writers of their due name and fame,” Gill added.

Jagdev Singh Jassowal, patron of the Professor Mohan Singh Memorial Foundation, emphasised on the allocation of a regular grant to the body by the state.

Chandigarh, May 22
A day after the HC took suo motu cognisance of a report “Chhapar Chiri’s plight fails to attract govt attention”, dated May 19, in The Tribune, ace-shooter Abhinav Bindra’s foundation today distributed stationary items to students of primary school there.

The foundation will also deliver fans and furniture. Besides, a water tank, uniforms and sports equipment will be given after the summer vacation.Foundation spokesman told the TNS that its team visited Chhapar Chiri primary school following instructions of founder Abhinav Bindra. The head project manager talked to the schoolteacher and area sarpanch to ascertain the gravity of the problem before distributing the stationary items. Taking suo motu cognisance of a report, the HC had earlier directed it to be treated as a PIL.

Chief Justice Mukul Mudgal had asserted the report highlighted “the plight of the amenities provided to the residents of Chhapar Chiri Kalan and Chhapar Chiri Khurd, particularly the condition of the government primary school.

“The report highlights the lack of basic amenities in the two villages, particularly in the schools. It is further reported that the school at Chhapar Chiri Kalan does not have adequate water supply and has no fans in the two rooms”.

He had concluded: “If the facts reported are correct, it required a positive response from the Punjab government for education in the government schools. The matter, thus, deserves to be looked at in the PIL jurisdiction”.

Fazilka, May 22
Inder Kumar, a local resident, landed into the Civil Hospital here after he was allegedly tortured by policemen at the local police station late last night.

Kumar, while talking to mediapersons, alleged that he was beaten up by leather belts by policemen in the city police station when he refused to give them Rs 20,000 as demanded by them. He added that he was picked from his house and taken to the police station late last evening.

He claimed that he had been indulging in satta (gambling) and had given up the activity about two months ago when Tarlok Singh joined as the SHO at the city police station. Subsequently, policemen were allegedly forcing him to restart the satta activity and give them Rs 20,000 as bribe.

SK Parnami, medical officer, Civil Hospital, who prepared the medico-legal report, said Kumar had suffered six injuries on his body. All injuries were blunt. The injuries were seen on the backside of the chest, lower back, buttocks and both sides of arms.

He said the patient was being given treatment, adding that in the medico-legal report, it was never mentioned how the patient had suffered the injuries.

Tarlok Singh, while denying the allegations made by Kumar, claimed that all his injuries, were self-inflicted. He added that Kumar, who was facing six criminal cases already, had been levelling allegations against policemen to put pressure on him to not act against him.

He said a fresh case under the Gambling Act was registered against Inder Kumar yesterday for his alleged involvement in satta. A sum of more than Rs 500 and a satta chit was also seized from him. Kumar was levelling false allegations to save himself from this fresh case.

SPS Parmar, SSP, said a DDR had been registered under Section 323 in connection with the beating up of Kumar in the police custody. He added that departmental action would be taken against policemen, who were found guilty in the inquiry being conducted by the DSP, Fazilka.

Bathinda, May 22
One person was killed and several others injured in a blast that took place at a shop here today. The blast was so forceful that three shops were reduced to pieces and many buildings shook with explosion.

Though the police and staff of the Electricity Department were present on the site since morning, they could not ascertain the cause of the blast till the filing the news report.

According to residents, at about 6.40 am a blast took place in a shop located near railway lines. Shutters of two shops were stuck into a transformer installed nearby and two persons were lying on the ground, they said. They have been identified as Suresh Chand and Sham Lal, assistant linemen with the Electricity Department, who were doing some repair work. The injured have been identified as a tailor whose shop was in the vicinity and another was a passer by. Launching a rescue operation, volunteers of the Sahara Jan Seva rushed the injured to civil hospital, Bathinda. As the condition of Suresh Chand deteriorated, he was referred to DMC, Ludhiana. He later scummed to his injuries.

Roofs and shutters of two shops were damaged while walls of two more shops collapsed in the blast.

There are different views about the reason behind the incident. Some believe that the blast was in an LPG cylinder, but after preliminary investigation the police is of the view that compressor of a deep freezer that was lying in the shop blew. However, volunteers of the Sahara Jan Seva claim that the compressor was in intact but the freezer was damaged.

About the case registration, investigation officer Balwinder Singh said after ascertaining the cause of the blast, a case would be lodged under relevant Acts.